Honolulu Plane Crash: A Tragic Loss
A small cargo plane, conducting a training flight for Kamaka Air, met a devastating end on Tuesday afternoon, December 17th, 2024. The Cessna 208 Caravan, identified as flight 689, crashed into a vacant building near Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport shortly after takeoff, resulting in the death of both pilots on board. The impact was followed by an immediate and intense fire, creating a scene of intense tragedy.
The events unfolded rapidly. Audio recordings released by Hawaii News Now captured a chilling exchange between the pilot of Kamaka Flight 689 and the air traffic control tower. The control tower asked for confirmation of the flight’s right turn; the pilot responded with the heartbreaking words, “Kamaka 689, we are, we have, uh, we’re out of control here.” The air traffic controller attempted to offer guidance and support, urging the pilot to attempt to land the plane on any available runway. Unfortunately, these attempts proved futile; the crash occurred moments later.
Pilot Training Flight Turns Tragic
The plane, a single-engine Cessna 208 Caravan, was on a training flight to Lanai Airport when the incident occurred. Kamaka Air, known for its freight delivery services across the Hawaiian islands, confirmed the loss of its two pilots in a statement released soon after. The company’s CEO, David Hinderland, expressed his deepest condolences and shared the gravity of this incident, but did not immediately identify the victims. The aircraft was not carrying any cargo or passengers.
Identifying the Victims
While the official identities were withheld to allow time for family notifications, Hawaii News Now and KITV reported that family members identified the victims as Hiram Defries, a Punahou School graduate in his twenties, and Preston Kaluhiwa, a graduate of Kamehameha Schools. Both were undergoing pilot training, highlighting the risk associated with this crucial phase of aviation. The incident has left a deep sense of sorrow in the Hawaiian community, with many expressing their condolences to the pilots' families and friends.
The Crash and Its Aftermath
Dashcam footage and eyewitness accounts have helped reconstruct the final moments of the flight. The plane was observed veering sharply and descending at low altitude before impacting the vacant building. The ensuing fire generated a substantial plume of black smoke visible for a considerable distance. Multiple fire crews rapidly responded to the scene. Honolulu Fire Department reported the fire under control within minutes, limiting the damage to the exterior of the building and the aircraft. The quick response prevented the fire from spreading into the surrounding area, which was incredibly fortunate given the location near the airport's fuel facilities.
The Building and Nearby Areas
The unoccupied building, slated for demolition, prevented further casualties. The state Department of Transportation indicated all airport facilities remained operational throughout the incident, minimizing disruption to other airport services. However, Ualena and Aolele Streets were closed temporarily to allow emergency responders to access the scene. Witnesses described hearing a loud boom before the crash, suggesting a significant impact. No injuries were reported among ground personnel.
Investigation Underway: Determining the Cause
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the accident. The agencies will examine various factors, including the aircraft's maintenance history, weather conditions, and potential pilot error. The process is expected to be thorough and detailed. The investigators will meticulously analyze the wreckage to gain insights into the sequence of events leading to the crash, particularly in light of the pilot’s final communication. Determining the cause could involve several months, requiring a careful study of recordings, flight data, and interviews with people related to the flights. The outcome will help prevent future occurrences and enhance the safety measures for pilot training flights.
Remembering the Fallen Pilots: A Community Grieves
The impact of the crash extends beyond the immediate loss of life. Mayor Rick Blangiardi expressed deep sadness about the tragedy, acknowledging the risks faced by those involved in keeping Hawaii's commerce moving. The mayor and Governor Josh Green expressed condolences to the victims and their families and thanked the first responders, and extended help and support to those affected by this tragic event. This heartbreaking incident serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers inherent in aviation and the dedication of those who work in this critical industry. The community mourns the loss of two promising lives and their contributions to the aviation world.
The hearts of the Hawaiian people are deeply saddened. May the families of the pilots, Hiram and Preston, find peace during this trying time. The details of the memorial service will be released in the coming days.
